Disclaimer: I don't own CSI. I am just a modest fan and writer.

A/N: Another Nick/Sara piece. (what can I say, I've gotten many reviews from my previous Snicker ficlet, then again, it could have been the 2 part thing.). If you've read Ficlet 02, you can read this as a sort of continuation, or you can just read this as a stand alone piece. Enjoy.

Ficlet 07: Caring for Nick

When she drove to the hospital she was filled with dread. She didn't know what to think, and she was there when it happened. He took a nasty fall, and she was overcome with fear.

Why did these kinds of things always happen to him?

Now that she helped him home, she found herself chastising him for making her worry.
"Sorry about that, mom," Nick teased her.
He could be so exasperating!
"You're lucky you only got nine stitches on your hand. That horse practically sent you flying!"

She had taken a few unofficial riding lessons with him, and grew to appreciate how well he got along with horses. She thought he was untouchable, which is why she was so surprised that on their recent trip, the horse he was riding started to buck, and flung Nick off the saddle. She just stared at the whole scene. Only when she saw the blood gush from his hand, did she yell for help.

"The horse must've been spooked. Even the best experts fall off their horse," Nick could tell she was still a bit concerned, and he tried to reassure her.
"Well, I can't believe I froze up like that," she handed him a glass of water. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"My back is a little sore, but I'll be fine in a week or so. You know the old saying, when you fall off a horse-"
"I know," she interrupted. She didn't want to talk about it anymore.

"Do you need anything? I'll make you something to eat. I got a few things while you were in the hospital: cereal, pasta, soup..." Sara ran down through the list of what she bought. It was the least she could do for him.
"Actually, some soup sounds good," he said
"Sure. Coming right up," she smiled at him and headed to the kitchen.

Nick looked down at his bandaged hand. Some of the pain was starting to come back, and he would need some medicine soon. He decided not to make too much of a fuss. Sara was rattled enough...

"Anything else?" Sara called from the kitchen, "crackers, juice?"
'Well, that didn't mean he couldn't take a little advantage of the situation,' Nick thought slyly to himself.
"Actually... I hope you could feed me the soup."

Would she really fall for this?

Sara walked in, holding a small bowl.
"Feed you? Oh, because the hand you use is injured? Okay." She set the bowl down on his stand, and pulled a chair next to him. She scooped up some soup, being careful to blow on it, and placed the spoon to his lips.
He almost laughed out loud. She was actually doing it! What else would she be willing to do...?

"How is it?"
"Very good. I take it you heated up a can," he grinned.
"As a matter of fact I did," she stated with a half smile.
"I forgot to get you your medicine," Sara got up and left. She remembered what the doctor advised. He was surprised and felt grateful. How could he take advantage of all her kindness?

"Anything else? Anything at all?" She was back with a glass of water and some pills. Concern etched in her features. He sighed, and smiled softly.
"Just on last thing... stay by my side. Until I fall asleep,"

She swallowed a lump in her throat. Were those tears in her eyes?
"I'm not going anywhere, Nick."

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I should've put this up as chapter 3 on ficlet 02 but like I said, this is just fine as a stand-alone. Could this give hope to other ficlets? Yes, If I feel creative I can write more chapters. Anyway, please review if you have any comments for me. Thanks